Do You Have Dehydrated Skin?
Having dehydrated skin isn’t fun for anyone. From annoying and stressful symptoms to long-term treatment options. But do you have dehydrated skin or is it just dry skin? Take a look at our checklist below to see if you have dehydrated skin and possible ways to treat it.
What is Dehydrated Skin and What Causes it?
Dehydrated skin is exactly as the name suggests; skin that is not properly hydrated. This is not to be confused with dry skin. Dry skin is a skin type in which the skin does not produce a normal amount of natural oil (sebum). Dehydrated skin on the other hand is a skin condition in which the skin does not produce enough water. There are several factors that may lead to dehydrated skin. This can include not drinking enough water, excessive urination (often caused by too much caffeine or diuretics), alcohol consumption, not eating enough fruits and vegetables, and even environmental factors, like weather and temperature.
What Are the Signs of Dehydrated Skin?
Since dehydrated skin is different from dry skin, it stands to reason that the symptoms of this condition would also be different, and they are. Dehydrated skin can cause:
- Skin itchiness and general irritation
- Skin color-loss and overall dullness
- Sunken eyes and cheeks with a shadowy appearance
- Dark circles underneath the eyes
- The appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
Skin dehydration can also be tested. If you have any of the above symptoms and believe that your skin is dehydrated, you can try the skin turgor test for more confirmation. Skin turgor is the name given to the assessment that checks for skin elasticity and fluid loss. To complete the assessment, lightly pinch the skin of your arm or stomach. When you and your skin are properly hydrated, the skin should instantly bounce back. If you are slightly dehydrated, the skin will take a few seconds before slowly returning to normal. If you are suffering from true skin dehydration, however, after pinching the skin, it will remain “tented” with impressions taking a long time to disappear.
How Do You Treat Dehydrated Skin?
Luckily, treatment for dehydrated skin is easy to come by, but it will require persistence. The most common treatment for skin dehydration is a lifestyle change. Drinking more water and less caffeine and alcohol, along with eating more fresh produce can all aid in replenishing your skin and prevent further dehydration. Though the remedy is simple, sticking to it may not be. Try to stay focused on what you want the outcome to be and rely on family and friends to hold you accountable so that you may stay on track. After a few months of following this new way of life, it’ll become a habit and will be far easier to maintain.
If your dehydration is severe, your dermatologist may recommend that you visit a doctor for IV fluids.
To know for sure whether or not you have skin dehydration, you’ll need to visit a licensed dermatologist.
If you are in the Cincinnati, Ohio area, just reach out to our experts at The Dermatology Group to receive more tips, advice, and resources. Give us a call today!